Discussion questions for Wednesday, November 2
NOTE: There are also questions on the Monday, October 31 page that relate to our Helfaer visit if you'd prefer to answer those.
What did you take away from our visit to the stage and backstage of the Helfaer Mainstage theater and our discussion with scenic designer Lex Gernon, costume designer Madelyn Yee, and lighting designer Nic Trapani? What was most interesting to you? And how did this visit and their comments help you think about "illusory" vs. "conventional" approaches to theatrical production, as outlined by Mordecai Gorelik? What elements of the design plans for Holy Days seemed to be aiming at picture-style illusion, and which are depending upon platform-style convention?
After reading A.C. Scott's discussion of music in traditional Chinese opera (from his earlier volume of plays, available on ARES reserve), what do you notice about the role of music in this style of production as compared to other styles? In what sense does the musical soundscape work as a design element in such a play, the way that lighting, costume, setting, or props do in this or other plays?
NOTE: There are also questions on the Monday, October 31 page that relate to our Helfaer visit if you'd prefer to answer those.